Physical fitness programs are already a staple of cardiac care. But although research is still in the early stages, there’s encouraging evidence that consistent workouts can help with everything from cancer, autoimmune disorders and Parkinson’s disease to alcoholism.

The burgeoning “exercise is medicine” movement is championed by many experts including Sports Medicine organisations and cancer support groups.

However, some big questions remain unanswered, such as what type and how much exercise is needed for what illnesses.

In many cases, working out appears to relieve symptoms, but its impact on the natural course of the disease isn’t known.

Additionally, many physicians are cautious about prescribing something that can stress the body, especially for patients in the throes of a life-threatening illness.

There’s still a prevailing attitude amongst physicians that patients shouldn’t push themselves during treatment. While it is acknowledged that exercise is a stressor on the body, it is also known that resting too much also can have adverse effects.

If exercise isn’t already a habit, of course, it can be intimidating. It’s harder to do when you don’t feel good. And some people would truly rather take a pill when they are ill.

But once they start exercising, so many people feel so much better.

Exercise can help people being treated for cancer cope with the side effects of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, including fatigue and the loss of muscle mass. As a result, it could help them get through treatment in better form.

Anecdotal evidence, meanwhile, has suggested that exercise could result in a 40 to 50 per cent reduction in the risk for recurrence of breast cancer, though randomised controlled trials would be needed to prove such a benefit.

Exercise’s greatest strength may be that it can work on both physical and emotional levels. It can help you feel normal, that your body hasn’t total abandoned you via cancer, that you can still exercise and push yourself.